In a joint statement released today by the unsuccessful bidders, it said: “Throughout this period the cities’ preferred outcome has been for the EU to review and reverse its initial decision and for the bidding process to continue.

“However, given that all diplomatic approaches to date have not resulted in any change in position we have now reluctantly concluded that our participation in the competition is not possible.”

The statement added: “The five cities now look forward to continued dialogue with the new Secretary of State for Culture.”